Man Indicted in San Diego on Cocaine, Hostage-Taking Charges

U.S. Attorney’s Office
November 24, 2009

Southern District of California(619) 557-5610

United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Eric Brando Pulido-Muzquiz was arraigned today before Magistrate Judge William McCurine, Jr., on two indictments charging Pulido with distribution of cocaine (Case Number: 09cr4213LAB), and conspiracy to take hostages and hostage taking (Case Number: 09cr4214LAB).

According to court documents, from November 4, 2006 to November 6, 2006, Pulido conspired with others to hold a United States citizen hostage and demanded a ransom from her family for her release. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Pulido on November 6, 2009. According to the FBI, the victim was rescued by Mexican authorities on November 7, 2009.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Ko, who is prosecuting the case, Pulido was previously arraigned on a criminal complaint that charged him with Distribution of Cocaine, based on the conduct addressed by the indictment (09cr4213LAB). Pulido, who is detained pending trial, entered not guilty pleas to all charges today before Magistrate Judge McCurine.

Pulido’s next court appearance is January 4, 2010, at 2:00 p.m., before United States District Judge Larry A. Burns.

DEFENDANT Case Numbers: 09CR4213-LAB and 09CR4214-LAB

Eric Brando Pulido-Muzquiz, Tijuana, Mexico

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Distribution of Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (09cr4213LAB) Conspiracy to Take Hostages, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1203 (09cr4214LAB) Hostage Taking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1203 (09cr4214LAB)

AGENCY

Federal Bureau of Investigation

An indictment itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.